In When Life Stops Making Sense: The Gen X Purpose Crisis, Gen X dads Dawson and James explore a challenge many men face in midlife but rarely talk about openly. As careers shift, kids grow up, relationships change, and long-held expectations about life begin to evolve, many Gen X men find themselves quietly asking a difficult question: what is my purpose now? In this honest and humorous conversation, we discuss the emotional impact of losing the roles that once defined us, the anxiety and restlessness that can come with feeling stuck, and why so many men struggle to talk about it. Through personal stories and real perspective, we explore how purpose changes over time and how men can rediscover meaning through fatherhood, relationships, creativity, and new challenges. If you’ve ever felt like you’re searching for direction in midlife, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that losing your old purpose can sometimes be the first step toward finding a new one.

00:00 - Introduction

02:13 - When the Old Purpose Starts to Fade

13:50 - The Quiet Impact of Losing Purpose

29:24 - Rediscovering Purpose

47:20 - Conclusion